First things first...if you've never experienced Madison, you simply must. And, the Sylvee just became the newest reason to do so. A sensationally imagined space for music, the line-up for this fall is already impressive: Shakey Graves tonight, Primus, the Decemberists, Kip Moore, Umphrey's McGee and Death Cab for Cutie next week, Lake Street Dive, Garbage, Gov't Mule, Steel Panther and more dot the calendar through December. The nearby Mariott AC is the perfect landing pad and, 'round the corner, Jardin is the perfect pre-concert culinary experience (make reservations).

August 23, 2018

It starts with having the most flights out of MSN on the largest planes. That means I get upgraded more often because I fly them the most.

But, it goes beyond that. Delta gate agents are, hands down, less likely to lie to customers when something goes wrong than any other airline in this country. I've only caught them in one lie in the past five years and, though it resulted in me driving home from Atlanta rather than Roanoke (which would have been closer), I get that it was a weird day (the ATC fire in Chicago) and they were probably doing the best they could. Yeah...bless their heart.

August 22, 2018

It's one of the banes of our existence as Destination Marketers. We promote great brands and experiences. And a hurricane, tornado, flood (fill in the blank) occurs. And, then the "Jim Cantore Effect" descends upon our community. The reality that the national media arrive, showcase the carnage...and then leave, with no intention of coming back to report on the recovery. Thus, consumers believe destinations to be off the board far longer than they are. And far longer than they need to be.

Puerto Rico suffered just such a devastating blow almost a year ago. And after an embarrassing lack of aid from the Federal Government and hours upon hours of coverage of the devastation...most Americans are still leery of a vacation there. And, they so shouldn't be. I was in San Juan last December and could find few examples of a city not ready to welcome the world.

To be sure, the more rural areas were still struggling...but, they are now mostly back. And, none more sensationally than Punta Santiago...the site of the iconic SOS image painted on their street.

August 03, 2018

Just back from the place of his birth, it makes sense to feature Dave Grohl on this Music Friday. Especially because there is an alley downtown that features his likeness along with the largest drumsticks in the world.

This is an interesting fan video from an appearance at Cannes a couple years ago. We're going with it because of the great build up to the song.

You want something professionally produced (and in keeping with the travel industry)? It's gotta be "Learning to Fly."

July 23, 2018

An annual vacation was once considered a God-given right. Or, if not ordained, something that one just did. Not just for those with means. Everybody. People that were just scraping by would find a way to take the family on vacation. For many, it was the focal point of the year.

I know it was for my family, as we would annually find a cabin in Northern Wisconsin to chill, reconnect and luxuriate in the Northwoods. Terri's family would often head west to Oklahoma, Wyoming, the Dakotas and Colorado. We just did.

So, to hear that the latest consumer study by Allianz says that 51% of us didn't vacay in the past 12 months (and that roughly 40% haven't in two years) is painful, to say the least.

US Travel's Project Time Off is a start...but DMOs need to take up the mantle and inspire Americans to not lose touch with what it means to live.

July 19, 2018

As much gnashing of teeth there has been regarding the Trade War with China that has been set in motion by President Trump, there hasn't been much in the media about the impact it could have on travel between countries. Besides this article from Skift, the mainstream media is more freaked out about bourbon.

July 11, 2018

We probably shouldn't. For every "Virginia's For Lovers," there are hundreds of slogans that litter the landscape like tissue paper.

Some destinations defy such applications. Conde Nast recently produced a sensational video of 60 people reciting their country's slogan...and about 10 that couldn't (which was just as interesting, if not more heartfelt).

June 20, 2018

I've noted an interesting phenomenon on commercial airliners. As they have asked deplaning passengers to close window shades to keep the cabin cool for the next flight, an increasing number of next flight travelers opt not to open said windows.

For someone, like me, that enjoys watching take-off, the landscape and landing, this is a little unnerving. Yet, there I was a few weeks ago, in a section of the plane where not a single window shade was open.

Is it laziness...or do a majority of fliers actually not want to see outside the fusillade?

Enter Emirates Airlines, which has just announced plans to fly jets with no windows (more structurally sound and more cost efficient). Instead, they plan to install video panels, fed by cameras on the exterior of the plane, to show folks like me what's out there.

June 07, 2018

Don't get me wrong...I think that making condoms available for sale in hotels is a good idea. It was just the way that such a service was offered during a recent stay that made me chuckle.

If you click on the image and look on the sixth line down of the very colorful products board, you'll see "Condoms" nestled between "Soda" and "Hoodie."

Though I'm giggling, I'm not sure I can suggest a better location. It probably doesn't fit next to "Pop-Tarts." Does it match up more effectively with "Batteries," "Shotglass" or "Bath Bomb?" I don't know.

I do know that I love how random this sign is...and would love to know the thought process that went into an obviously carefully considered piece of chalk art.